And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:

MARK 12:10KJV
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Mark 12:10 (KJV)

What does Mark 12:10 mean?

Mark 12:10 quotes a well-known scripture, saying, “The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner.” This means that someone or something dismissed as unimportant or unworthy has now become the most important part, like a cornerstone in a building.

In Mark 12:10, Jesus is speaking to religious leaders in Jerusalem after telling a parable about tenants who mistreated the owner’s servants and son. By quoting this scripture, Jesus points to himself as the “stone” rejected by the leaders (“builders”), but chosen by God for the most honored place. The verse draws from Psalm 118:22 and challenges the leaders’ assumptions about who is truly favored by God.

The Greek behind Mark 12:10

  • “λίθος” (lithos, G3037) means “stone.” Here, it refers to a person being compared to a stone in a building, highlighting the idea of being foundational or essential.
  • “οἰκοδομοῦντες” (oikodomountes, G3618) means “builders.” This word often refers to those responsible for constructing something, and in this context, it points to the religious leaders as those with authority to “build” the community.
  • “ἀπεδοκίμασαν” (apedokimasan, G593) means “rejected.” The Greek word carries the sense of testing something and deciding it is not good enough, emphasizing the deliberate nature of the rejection.
  • “κεφαλὴν γωνίας” (kephalēn gōnias, G2776 + G1137) means “head of the corner” or “cornerstone.” This phrase describes the most important stone in a building’s foundation, symbolizing the highest place of honor and support.

Why Mark 12:10 matters

  • Mark 12:10 clarifies that Jesus is identifying himself as the rejected “stone,” directly confronting the religious leaders’ rejection of him.
  • The verse connects Jesus’ story to Old Testament prophecy, showing continuity between his mission and God’s earlier promises.
  • Understanding the “cornerstone” image helps readers see how something dismissed by people can be central to God’s plan, challenging assumptions about worth and authority.